All organizations, public and private, operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations for the American Business Awards.
Howard, a 1983 graduate of Fairmont East High School, has led a resurgence at Fazoli’s since taking over in 2008. The restaurant chain has set company sales records and attracted new franchisees.
“Turning around a restaurant brand is a huge undertaking that requires a great team,” Howard said in a news release. “I am very honored to receive this award, but it really is a reflection of the great work done by the entire Fazoli’s management team.”
Last month, the trade publication FastCasual.com recognized Fazoli’s as “Brand of the Year,” and the chain has been a Franchise Times magazine “Top 20 Companies to Watch.”
Fazoli’s owns or franchises 221 restaurants nationwide. Sun Capital Partners acquired Fazoli’s in 2006.
In 2010, Fazoli’s chose Dayton to test-market an enhanced-service concept in which glassware and silverware replaced plastic and paper, and servers delivered meals to guests’ tables. The concept went over so well during the test-marketing that it has been replicated at Fazoli’s locations nationwide.
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